Until January 24, 2021, at 3:59 p.m. PST, players of Pokémon Sword and Shield are more likely to encounter Tauros, Miltank, and Bouffalant in Max Raid Battles.

Encounter Tauros, Miltank, and Bouffalant in Max Raid Battles

Celebrate the Year of the Ox and look for Shiny Tauros in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield during this special event.

You can start 2021 off strong by celebrating the Year of the Ox with a special Max Raid Battle event in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, featuring some powerful Pokémon. Until January 24, 2021, at 3:59 p.m. PST, you'll be more likely to encounter Tauros, Miltank, and Bouffalant in Max Raid Battles. Lucky Trainers might even come across a Shiny Tauros during this event.

For an opportunity to encounter these Pokémon in a Max Raid Battle, you'll need to connect your Nintendo Switch system to the internet through Y-Comm or by selecting Mystery Gift in the X menu, then selecting Get the Wild Area News. After that, whenever you see a pillar of light shining from a Pokémon Den, you can walk up to the Pokémon Den and interact with it to start a Max Raid Battle with a Dynamax Pokémon. This event does not affect the Pokémon encountered within Dynamax Adventures.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/encounter-tauros-miltank-and-bouffalant-in-max-raid-battles/

The Pokémon Company has posted an official statement regarding players cheating in Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Home. Players caught modifying their data will have their device(s) banned from online use.

Addressing the use of data altered via unauthorized means

Thank you very much for your continued support of the Pokémon series. We are aware that some users are playing Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, as well as using Pokémon HOME, with altered data.

Additionally, certain users have been causing issues that impair the function of games or apps or that cause problems for others. We will address these matters as follows.

Our response

Users found to be using altered data or engaging in troublesome behavior may receive the following penalties.

- Restriction of online play in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
- Restriction of trading features in the mobile device version of Pokémon HOME
- Suspension of both the Nintendo Switch version and mobile device version of Pokémon HOME


Note: These measures may be applied temporarily or indefinitely at The Pokémon Company's discretion. No refunds or repayments will be issued as a result of these measures. We will be unable to respond to inquiries regarding the specifics of any infractions or the measures discussed here.

Please be aware that similar measures will be taken regularly in the future and that additional restrictions and other measures may be imposed without notice.

We will continue to regularly watch for and address improper or disruptive behavior in order to help our users enjoy a worry-free experience.

We hope you continue to enjoy the Pokémon series!
The Pokémon Company

Source: https://sg.portal-pokemon.com/special/game/addressing/

GameSpark Global Gaming News posted an article featuring new year's greetings from representatives of various game-related companies and creators from around the world. Game Freak posted a new years greeting message as well as a special piece of artwork. The artwork is also featured on a new Pokémon Center A4 Clear File which will be available for purchase on January 7th, 2021 for 264 yen (tax included). Scans of the artwork have been added to an Imageboard thread.

Game Freak, Inc.

Happy New Year to you all!

In 2020, we were able to deliver new additional content for the series through the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the players who have continued to enjoy Pokémon Sword and Shield.

All of us at Game Freak are determined to continue creating quality games this year.

We look forward to your continued support in 2021.

(From all of us at Game Freak, Inc.)

株式会社ゲームフリーク

新年明けましておめでとうございます。

2020年はシリーズ初となる追加コンテンツ『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド エキスパンションパス』を配信することができました。『ポケットモンスター ソード・シールド』に引き続き、たくさんのプレイヤーの皆さまに楽しんでいただき、心より感謝申し上げます。

ゲームフリーク一同身を引き締め、本年も引き続き良質な遊びを作り出し続けます。

2021年もどうぞよろしくお願い致します。

(株式会社ゲームフリーク スタッフ一同)

Sources: https://www.gamespark.jp/article/2021/01/01/104992.html and https://www.pokemon.co.jp/goods/2021/01/210108_st01.html

During the THE SPACE SUNRISE LIVE 2021 live stream event from the International Space Station, it was revealed that Pikachu, who was said to have boarded the ISS as a crew member with astronaut Soichi Noguchi, would be distributed as an event Pokémon in the games Pokémon Sword and Shield. The Pikachu astronaut crew member effect was done through the use of AR which it was also used to show Rayquaza floating outside the atmosphere of earth.


The KIBO Pikachu will be distributed over Mystery Gift over Internet from January 1st, 2021 until January 15th, 2020. Pikachu knows the following moves: Thunderbolt, Swift, Wish and Celebrate. It is Level 21, has an OT of 210101, an ID of KIBO and is holding a Comet Shard.


Source: https://www.facebook.com/PokemonCoKr/posts/3696309507075057

The official Pokémon website has announced that during January 2021, Normal-type and Dragon-type Pokémon will be frequenting Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield’s Pokémon Dens and there is a greater chance that players will encounter Gigantamax Snorlax and Gigantamax Duraludon.

Gigantamax Snorlax and Gigantamax Duraludon in January Max Raid Battles

During January, Normal-type and Dragon-type Pokémon will be frequenting Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield’s Pokémon Dens.

You'd best not be draggin' your feet while playing Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield this January. All month long, you'll find Normal-type and Dragon-type Pokémon much more frequently in Max Raid Battles. And be on guard, because there's a greater chance that you'll encounter Gigantamax Snorlax and Gigantamax Duraludon.

For an opportunity to encounter these Pokémon in a Max Raid Battle, you'll need to connect your Nintendo Switch system to the internet through Y-Comm or by selecting Mystery Gift in the X menu, then selecting Get the Wild Area News. After that, whenever you see a pillar of light shining from a Pokémon Den, you can walk up to the Pokémon Den and interact with it to start a Max Raid Battle with a Dynamax Pokémon. Usually, there'll be an extremely small possibility a Gigantamax Pokémon will appear instead of a Dynamax Pokémon, but during an event, certain Gigantamax Pokémon are more likely to appear. This event does not affect the Pokémon encountered within Dynamax Adventures.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/gigantamax-snorlax-and-gigantamax-duraludon-in-january-max-raid-battles/

The official Pokémon website has announce the details for the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles January 2021 Season.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield Ranked Battles January 2021 Season

Start the year off strong with a fresh shot at earning awesome prizes in online battles.

The Ranked Battles January 2021 Season (Season 14) is now under way, and Trainers all over the world are ready for action. Join them in head-to-head battles in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield to work your way up the leaderboards and earn sweet in-game rewards.

The Ranked Battles January Season will follow the Series 7 regulations, which means Galar Pokédex No. 001–397, Isle of Armor Pokédex No. 001–210, and Crown Tundra Pokédex No. 001–209 are eligible, as well as the following Pokémon: Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Treecko, Grovyle, Sceptile, Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken, Mudkip, Marshtomp, Swampert, Latias, Latios, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Heatran, Regigigas, Cresselia, Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Rowlet, Dartrix, Decidueye, Litten, Torracat, Incineroar, Popplio, Brionne, Primarina, Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, Tapu Fini, Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, and Blacephalon. All Gigantamax Pokémon that are eligible to participate may be used.

January 2021 Season Rewards

Master Ball Tier

• Gold Bottle Cap ×3
• 600 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×30
• Armorite Ore ×30

Ultra Ball Tier

• Gold Bottle Cap ×1
• 300 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×10
• Armorite Ore ×10

Great Ball Tier

• Bottle Cap ×3
• Ability Capsule ×1
• 100 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×5
• Armorite Ore ×5

Poké Ball Tier and Beginner Tier

• Ability Capsule ×1
• 50 Battle Points
• Dynite Ore ×5
• Armorite Ore ×5

How to Start a Ranked Battle

1. Launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Open the X menu.
3. Select VS.
4. Select Battle Stadium.
5. Select Ranked Battles.

How to Receive In-Game Rewards

You will need to finish at least one match with a win or loss during the January Season to be eligible for rewards at the end of the season.

1. After the competition has ended, launch your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield game.
2. Open the X menu.
3. Select Mystery Gift.
4. Select Get a Mystery Gift.
5. Select Get Battle Stadium Rewards.

Regarding the Battle-Ready Symbol

Only Pokémon obtained in Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield or those with the battle-ready symbol are eligible. Pokémon from previous games in the Pokémon series can receive the battle-ready symbol from the character next to the door in the center of the Battle Tower. Moves that cannot be used in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will be forgotten when the battle-ready symbol is applied to your Pokémon. Once forgotten, these moves cannot be remembered.

Source: https://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/pokemon-sword-and-pokemon-shield-ranked-battles-january-2021-season/